Why cold saponification?

We feel that this means it's better, but why?

When making cold process soap, as opposed to making soap cooked in a cauldron, such as Marseille soap, the paste is not heated.
Thanks Captain Obvious.
We only melt solid oils, or butters like cocoa butter, shea butter or coconut oil, but the rest of the process is done without a heat source.

We mix the soda and the oils, and that is enough to start the saponification.

Interesting consequence: the glycerin formed during the process is trapped in the final formula, and since it's a nice ingredient for the skin, which helps maintain hydration, we love it!

In a hot process, the glycerin is released: it separates from the rest of the paste and, most often, is resold (to make moisturizers, you know?). In the case of Marseille soap, we get a great soap for washing clothes, for example, because who wants to moisturize their T-shirts? But it's more drying for the skin, as you may have already noticed.

Does this mean all hot process soaps are bad?
No.

There are artisan soap makers who make their soaps in a cauldron, while retaining the glycerin in the paste. It's not the most common process, but it makes great soaps!

On the other hand, what is certain is that a cold process soap will always have a glycerin content which makes it softer to wash than a good big industrial soap which is well deglycerinated and very stripping.

Have you ever heard of this? Did you know that glycerin is a great ally for your skin?

Solène Lebon